Howard Panter for Trafalgar Theatre Productions presents The Lincoln Center Theater Production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The King and I, directed by Bartlett Sher. The play is based on the novel ‘Anna and the King of Siam’ by Margaret Landon.

Act I - 90 minutes

Interval: 20 mins

Act II - 70 minutes.

The King and I is set in Bangkok in the 1860s and it unravels the relationship that develops between the King of Siam and Anna. Anna is a British schoolteacher whom the modernist King, in an imperialistic world, brings to Siam to teach his many wives and children.

I was very disappointed to be informed that the role of Anna Leonowens was to be played this evening, Wednesday by Maria Coyne and not Helen George due to reasons unknown; however Maria surpassed my expectations of her portrayal of Anna and it would be extremely interesting to compare the two.

Maria was absolutely outstanding and had the presence of Julie Andrews with hints of ‘Mary Poppins!’ A packed auditorium with every song heavily applauded; illustrating a delighted and satisfied audience despite the changes to the cast.

Maria Coyne (Anna Leonowens) had a beautiful rapport with the children and extracted the best out of them whilst on stage. A real and true teacher in the making!

The production was supported by a live orchestra which complemented the performance and added to and created a certain ambiance and an oriental atmospheric presence.

I must be careful how I word this but during Act 1 there was a delightful scene in the bedroom with Anna singing alone.

I did find the ‘King’ ( Darren Lee) very loud but this was appropriate to the play and periodically funny during his performance.

Could the dance scene (Tuptim’s play) towards the beginning of At Two been a little shorter? However it was very well choreographed and performed eloquently.

Despite the changes to the characters of Anna and Tuptim - this does happen in live theatre, the performance was of exceptional quality and eloquently performed. Thoroughly enjoyable with a score of songs that you’ll instantly download!